Honoring Comic Book Greatness: Bennett Awards and the Harvey Awards’ Iconic Sculpture
2025 Harvey Awards presented at New York Comic Con, designed by Bennett Awards
Part 1 – The Project: A Legacy Reimagined
The Harvey Awards stand among the most respected honors in the comic book industry. Founded in 1988, the Harveys celebrate exceptional achievement in comics, graphic novels, manga, and related media. Named for the legendary writer and artist Harvey Kurtzman—best known as one of the co-creators of MAD Magazine—the awards are voted on by industry professionals, making them one of the most peer-recognized honors in comics.
In 2018, as the Harvey Awards prepared to make their long-awaited debut at New York Comic Con—the largest pop culture gathering in the United States—event organizers ReedPop approached Bennett Awards with a challenge: create a distinctive, high-quality award sculpture that captured the humor, artistry, and innovation of Kurtzman himself.
Bennett Awards was selected not only for our long history of custom, hand-crafted award design, but also for our ability to translate creative concepts into meaningful, tangible works of art. Having previously collaborated with organizations across entertainment, publishing, and the arts, our team was honored to help reimagine this historic award for a new era. The ask was clear: design an award worthy of the comic industry’s equivalent of the Oscars—an instantly recognizable symbol of artistic excellence that would resonate with professionals and fans alike.
Part 2 – From Concept to Craft: Developing the Harvey Award Sculpture
The creative journey began with the event’s iconic logo—a cartoon image of Harvey Kurtzman’s face, complete with his trademark pipe. ReedPop’s creative team wanted the physical award to embody that same sense of wit and warmth. “Sort of like the Oscars for the comic industry,” they said, “but with Harvey’s spirit and style.”
Local sculptor James Shoemaker was commissioned to hand-sculpt the model in clay, a rare artisanal process in modern award-making. This traditional approach perfectly suited the project, echoing the tactile, handcrafted nature of comic artistry itself.
Early design sketches were reviewed and enthusiastically approved by ReedPop’s coordinators. The concept was clear from the start—a one-of-a-kind caricatured bust of Harvey Kurtzman, faithful to his likeness and instantly identifiable to those who knew his work. The sculpture would reflect the Harvey Awards logo while maintaining its own three-dimensional character.
The project did, however, present a few challenges. One was Kurtzman’s trademark pipe—an essential part of his look but delicate to reproduce. Our design team engineered the resin pipe as a removable piece, shipped separately and easily inserted during final assembly without adhesives. This ensured the sculpture’s durability while preserving the award’s distinctive charm.
Throughout development, ReedPop’s feedback guided refinements in texture, tone, and finish. We wanted the final piece to feel as if it could have come from a comic artist’s own desk—a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity.
Part 3 – The Final Piece: A Tribute in Bronze and Gold
The finished Harvey Award sculpture stands 8.5 inches tall, with a 7-inch resin bust mounted on a 1.5-inch marble base. Cast in resin and hand-painted with gold and bronze finishes, each piece exudes both artistry and substance. The engraved marble base adds a satisfying heft, grounding the whimsical bust in timeless elegance.
Every detail—from the expressive sculpting of Harvey’s features to the gentle gleam of the pipe—reflects the humor and humanity of its namesake. Each award is custom-engraved with the winner’s name in gold and delivered with care to ensure flawless presentation.
As Bennett Awards project manager Perry Tow noted, “It’s delightful for our staff to see near-and-dear names as the winners each year. Many of us are fans and creatives ourselves, and it’s special to know our work helps honor the creators who inspire us.”
Part 4 – Impact and Recognition: Celebrating Excellence
The Harvey Awards have become a highlight of New York Comic Con, which drew more than 250,000 attendees in 2025. While the ceremony itself is an intimate, industry-focused gathering, its influence extends far beyond the convention floor. The event is live-streamed worldwide, with social media amplifying the excitement as winners proudly showcase their awards.
In 2025, the 37th Annual Harvey Awards honored legends such as Wendy and Richard Pini, Patrick McDonnell, John Byrne, and posthumous inductees Peter David and Barbara Shermund. The Hall of Fame segment continues to celebrate figures whose contributions have shaped the medium for generations.
The visibility of the Harvey Award sculpture—featured in press coverage, online campaigns, and winner posts—has become a key part of the awards’ branding. Its distinctive form instantly connects audiences to the values of creativity, humor, and artistic innovation that defined Harvey Kurtzman’s career, not to mention the Harvey Awards logo.
More than an award, the sculpture embodies a shared artistic heritage. Each year, as new recipients lift their Harvey Award, they join a lineage of creators whose work pushes the boundaries of storytelling and visual art.
For Bennett Awards, it’s an honor to have played a role in preserving that legacy. Through traditional craftsmanship and modern collaboration, the Harvey Award stands as a testament to both the enduring power of comics and the artistry that continues to shape them today.
